Home|  |Quick Find|  |Contact|  |View your shopping cart or Checkout


Making Pointers Work on a Tablet (iPad, Auggie)

The iPad is a great device that people with finger/hand/arm control can operate with ease.  However, up until now, any type of pointer operation was impossible.  Why?  Because the iPad is not pressure-sensitive; it is responsive to small amounts of electricity that your body produces.  That's why long fingernails don't work with the iPad.

It's the same story with my Auggie.

After some experimentation, I've found a way to make your pointer iPad-compatible.  And it's near-zero cost!  Either a head Pointer (I have my favorite one, if you want to know, email me) and there is also my free hand pointer.

Anywho, the secret is....an anti-static wrist strap from Radio Shack (part #276-2397, $6).  Normally, this strap transfers static electricity from you to some type of ground where it can discharge.  When used with a pointer, it transfers electricity from background static to the tablet's surface!
Click any pic for larger image!

Step 1
making ipad pointer
                      step 1
Here is the unadapted wrist strap.  Note that the shiny side is UP (critical).
making ipad pointer
                          step 2

Step 3
making ipad pointer step 3
I have cut the strap so that it is the same thickness as my pointer.
Step 4
making ipad pointer step 4
I wrapped the strap around my pointer and secure with tape, temporarily, just to hold it in place.
Step 5
making ipad pointer step 5
I use 3/4" shrink tube (Radio Shack ) and a hair dryer to secure the strap permanently (well, you can always cut through the shrink tube and try again if you mess up ;-)
Step 6
making ipad pointer
                        step - finished
I used a home-made headpointer and wrapped the remaining wire from the strap around the pointer.  The alligator clip can be cut off or attached to metal, for greater sensitivity.

Not hard, takes about 15 minutes.  Tell others about me and my iPad and Auggie stuff at my home page above!


Enjoy!


Home|  |Quick Find|  |Contact|  |View your shopping cart or Checkout